Jeff Bobo

ROGERSVILLE — A Hawkins County grandmother is facing charges including assault on an officer after she allegedly dug her nails into a deputy's arm so deep they drew blood while the deputy was attempting to arrest her.

Around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday Hawkins County Sheriff's Office Deputy Wes Seals was dispatched to 247 Guntown Road near Rogersville on a complaint of a domestic dispute involving four generations of a family.

Alicia Okafor told Seals that her mother-in-law, Nellie Okafor, 48, of that address, was holding Alicia's 4-year-old son during a verbal dispute.

As the argument worsened, Alicia reportedly attempted to take her son from Nellie.

That's when Nellie allegedly struck Alicia on the left cheek and scratched Alicia all over her head and face.

Eventually Alicia was able to retrieve her son from Nellie, and hand the child to Nellie's mother, who was also present during the altercation.

"I advised Nellie that she was under arrest for domestic assault," Seals stated in his report. "Nellie started yelling at officers, telling us she was not going anywhere. I then placed my hand on Nellie's left arm and told her to stand up. Nellie dug her nails into my left wrist and forearm, causing it to bleed."

Seals added, "After a brief struggle Deputy Mike Lipe and I were able to take Nellie into custody.

Aside from assault on an officer Nellie Okafor was also charged with resisting arrest and domestic assault.

As of Thursday she remained held in the Hawkins County Jail with no bond set. Her arraignment is set for Monday in Hawkins County Sessions Court.